How to Save Money on Luxury Perfumes in Singapore

In the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where luxury and style converge, indulging in the finer things in life can sometimes take a toll on your wallet. One such luxury item that many Singaporeans adore is perfume.

In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips and tricks on how to save money on expensive perfumes in Singapore without compromising on quality.

EXPLORE LOCAL BRANDS

Singapore boasts a growing number of local perfume brands providing unique and high-quality fragrances at more affordable prices. One noteworthy example is the homegrown perfume brand, Singapore Memories. True to its name, the brand offers perfumes inspired by Singaporean heritage, featuring scents like Peranakan Oud and Singapore Girl. Prices for these fragrances start at S$28.

Image Credits: singapore-memories.com

By patronizing local businesses, you not only save money but also have the opportunity to explore scents that draw inspiration from the diverse landscapes of Singapore.

OPT FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

Embrace the convenience and often more affordable options that online shopping affords. Numerous reputable online retailers provide discounts, promotions, and exclusive deals on perfumes, including Sephora Singapore, where Versace Pour Homme Eau De Toilette starts at just S$29. Ensure you compare prices across various platforms to secure the best deals.

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS AND LOYALTY PROGRAMS

Subscribe to newsletters from your preferred perfume retailers and enroll in their loyalty programs. Retailers frequently send exclusive discounts, promotions, and early access to sales to their subscribers. Loyalty programs may also allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for future discounts or freebies.

For instance, consider signing up for the Scent by SIX newsletter to receive the latest promotions. Their 20ml EDT bottle starts at S$66, while refills are priced at S$45.

WAIT FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

Patience pays off when it comes to buying luxury perfumes. Keep an eye on major sales events, such as the Great Singapore Sale or Black Friday, when many retailers offer significant discounts. These events are an excellent opportunity to score your favorite scents at a fraction of the regular price.

CONSIDER TESTER BOTTLES

Tester bottles, used for display purposes in stores, are often available for purchase at a lower cost. These bottles are identical to the regular ones and can be an economical way to get your hands on high-end fragrances without the luxurious packaging. Consider searching for testers at Mustafa Centre and Lucky Plaza.

BUILD YOUR OWN PERFUME

Immerse yourself in the world of perfume through a hands-on experience by attending a DIY perfume workshop. This not only offers a unique and enjoyable experience but also allows you to craft your signature scent at a fraction of the cost of a designer perfume.

Consider Oo La Lab as a prime example. This craft fragrance lab stores perfume and essential oil ingredients in small batches, hand-pouring them to order. You have the option to select from popular formulas or collaborate with an Oo La Mixologist to create your own during the workshop, available through Klook for S$56.99 to S$75.60.

Image Credits: Oo La Lab via klook.com

IN A NUTSHELL

Saving money on expensive perfumes in Singapore is all about being strategic and exploring various options.

Whether you opt for local brands, shop online, take advantage of sales, or try your hand at DIY perfume-making, there are plenty of ways to smell fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket.

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5 Affordable Gift Ideas for Christmas 2023

The Christmas season holds a special place in my heart, brimming with generosity, happiness, and the desire to bring joy to children and those young at heart.

Although the spirit of giving is boundless, the constraints of our budgets frequently set limitations. The pressure to discover the ideal gift can be overwhelming, especially when our wallets are a bit leaner than we’d like. Nonetheless, the genuine magic of Christmas isn’t in the price tag. Its magic dwells in the thought and love behind the gift.

On that note, here are 5 Affordable Gift Ideas for Christmas 2023:

FOR THE COFFEE ENTHUSIAST

Starbucks presents perfect, budget-friendly Christmas gift ideas with their delightful Blissful Homecoming Collection. Drawing inspiration from vintage book cover illustrations and the heartwarming tale of Santa and his little companions, this collection is a wonderful way to kickstart the festive season. With a charming design featuring gold accents and classic holiday colors like red, green, and blue, the Blissful Homecoming Collection offers an array of drinkware, including mugs, cold cups, and tumblers.

Standouts in their holiday collection include the affordable Starbucks Holiday Red Cup Ornament (i.e., S$7.90, previously S$15.90), Starbucks Welcome to the Holiday Home Tumbler 16oz (i.e., S$21.60, previously S$30.90), and Starbucks Little Holiday Friends Water Bottle 18oz (i.e., S$14.90, previously S$29.90).

FOR THE FOODIE

Have a delightful foodie in your life? Treat them to a feast with a Chope e-gift card. Load it up with S$30, S$50, S$80, or S$100, and your lucky recipient will be able to purchase their choice of dining vouchers from over 1,000 cafés, restaurants, and bars listed on Chope’s website or app.

Add your personal twist! Pick from four virtual card designs complete with tongue-in-cheek food-related quotes and add your personalized message at no extra cost. Score your e-gift card at giftcards.chope.co today.

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF PAMPERING

Whether you’re creating a revitalizing solo bath time or a romantic couple’s spa, Lush has you covered with their charming bath bombs. Festive delights come in cute designs like reindeer, penguins, and magical Santa shapes. Christmas-themed products start at S$13. Personally, I recommend the candy cane and snow bear bath bombs.

Lush provides a fantastic alternative to bath bombs with their shower gel series, featuring fragrances like Berry Berry Christmas and Snow Fairy.

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Who can resist the aroma of freshly baked Famous Amos cookies wafting through the air? It’s a foolproof choice that will delight any recipient. I even take a whiff whenever I pass by the store!

The well-loved cookie brand has once again come up with a series of Christmas gift tins and boxes, all bearing cute designs featuring snowmen, reindeers, and other festive motifs. Some of the tins even come shaped like gingerbread men, stars, and Christmas trees. Select from a variety of flavors, including but not limited to original chocolate chip, butterscotch chip and pecan, and white chocolate chip.

Christmas Gift Tins from an affordable S$13.30. Check out the full collection and make your purchase here or via their 15 outlets island-wide.

FOR THE BEAUTY JUNKIE

Everyone needs bath and body care products – after all, you do need to shower at some point – and you can’t go wrong with the pretty, practical sets from The Body Shop. While toiletries might seem like a common gift, the plethora of scent choices, item combinations, and different types of packaging available here allow you to thoughtfully choose something that’s best suited to your giftee’s personality and preferences.

Image Credits: thebodyshop.com

A simple body care gift set comprising shower cream and body butter starts from a wallet-friendly S$16, while bigger pouch sets with additional items like hand cream and festive fragrances can go up to around S$100. Individual Christmas gifts start at S$10, and I have my eye on the S$15 Cherries & Cheer Shower Gel 250ml.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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ComfortDelGro’s Taxi Rates Rise with 50-Cent Flagdown & Peak-Hour Surcharge

ComfortDelGro, Singapore’s largest taxi operator, managing over 8,900 taxis under the Comfort and CityCab brands, comprising about 60 percent of the nation’s taxi fleet, has announced an impending increase in cab fares. This adjustment is expected to have a significant impact on commuters due to the company’s extensive reach.

The decision to raise the flagdown fare and other surcharges was disclosed on December 6 by ComfortDelGro. The motive behind this fare revision is to assist taxi drivers in offsetting heightened operational expenses attributed to the surge in fuel prices, escalating inflation rates, and the anticipated Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike.

According to ComfortDelGro, the estimated fare for a 10-kilometer off-peak regular taxi journey is set to witness a 6.8 percent increase, translating to S$0.94, elevating the fare from S$13.80 to S$14.74. While flagdown fares for limousine taxis remain unchanged, distances, and waiting time fares experience a marginal increment from S$0.35 to S$0.36.

This fare adjustment encompasses all metered fare trips, including those made through the CDG Zig app and other ride-hailing platforms. The revised fares took effect from 6 am last December 13.

PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE

In addition to the fare increase, a new peak hour surcharge will be introduced from 10:00 am to 1:59 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The definition of “evening peak hour” will also be extended by an hour, now spanning from 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm, applicable from Monday through Sunday, including public holidays. This peak hour surcharge amounts to 25 percent of the metered fare.

Trans-cab and other taxi services such as Strides Premier and Prime Taxi have announced their alignment with ComfortDelGro’s fare adjustments. These taxis shall implement the new weekend peak-hour surcharge and extend the evening peak-hour surcharge by one hour, with the changes set to take effect concurrently from December 13.

UPCOMING GST INCREASE CONCERNS

The National Taxi Association (NTA), which ComfortDelGro consulted before proposing the fare adjustments, expressed its support for the move. NTA adviser Yeo Wan Ling acknowledged the challenges faced by taxi drivers in coping with rising costs and emphasized the importance of this fare adjustment in aiding drivers dealing with increased living and operating expenses.

The upcoming GST increase to 9 percent on January 1, 2024, is an additional concern for taxi operators as it impacts various operational aspects, including rental, food, and parking expenses. Yeo Wan Ling highlighted that the fare increase would contribute to higher take-home pay for taxi drivers, offering timely relief from the impending GST hike and supporting them in meeting their financial obligations and providing for their families. The fare adjustment is seen as a welcome measure that addresses the current challenges faced by cabbies, providing both relief and support.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ComfortDelGroTaxi

How will these affect the commuters in the long run?

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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How to Cope with the Death of a Loved One

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” ― Jack Thorne

The departure of those we hold dear never equates to their complete departure. Certain aspects are beyond death’s reach, eternal connections that persist unbroken. These profound sentiments penned by Jack Thorne encapsulate a truth that resonates deep within us.

Grief, a tempest of emotions, sweeps over us like an unexpected wave, knocking us off balance. It carries with it a temporal dimension, for grieving is the voyage we undertake as we acclimate to the void left by our cherished ones. The absence they leave becomes a part of us, a space forever occupied by memories and emotions.

The human response to loss is as varied as the colors of a spectrum, each person weaving their tapestry of coping mechanisms. Research unveils that most individuals can navigate the labyrinth of loss over time, aided by social support and nurturing habits. The passage of months or even a year might be required to fully fathom the contours of loss. The notion of linear stages in grief, as commonly depicted, is challenged by research, which reveals that progression through grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience.

The profound challenge of confronting the passing of a dear friend or family member stands as one of life’s most daunting trials. The departure of a spouse, sibling, or parent can unleash a torrent of intense grief. While loss is an intrinsic part of existence, the upheaval of emotions that follows can leave us in a state of bewildered shock.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Amid grief’s labyrinth, individuals grappling with loss may find solace in various strategies:

1. Dialogue with Remembrance

Engaging in conversations about the departed with friends or colleagues not only provides understanding but also preserves the memory of the individual. Avoiding discussions out of discomfort can foster isolation, hindering the healing process bolstered by supportive networks.

2. Embrace Your Emotions

The variety of emotions—be it sadness, anger, or exhaustion—is a testament to the depth of one’s connection. Acknowledging these feelings is crucial. Should these emotions become overwhelming or stagnate, seeking guidance from licensed psychologists or mental health professionals offers a lifeline back to emotional equilibrium.

3. Extend a Helping Hand

Supporting others who share the burden of loss can be mutually healing. Whether sharing anecdotes or listening to the deceased’s favorite melodies, these seemingly modest gestures bear immense significance. Extending assistance not only aids others but also nurtures our own well-being.

4. Safeguard Memories

Honoring our loved ones can take myriad forms. Planting trees, participating in charitable events, or crafting memory boxes with tokens of their existence keeps their spirit alive. Composing letters or gratitude notes offers a conduit for preserving connection and finding solace in gratitude.

5. Participate in Rituals

Mourning rituals, such as memorial services and funerals, provide communal solace during the initial stages of loss. They are poignant ways to commemorate the departed. The company of those who shared the bond with the loved one is itself a source of comfort.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Through dialogue, remembrance, emotional acceptance, communal support, and commemorative rituals, we navigate the labyrinth of loss, honoring the eternal connection that transcends the boundaries of mortality.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Iconic Movie Jewelry Pieces & Their Prices

In the dazzling world of cinema, there’s no denying the allure of glamorous jewelry adorning the silver screen. From Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable Breakfast at Tiffany’s style to Daisy Buchanan’s captivating “$350,000 (S$470,000) engagement ring” in The Great Gatsby, these iconic pieces of movie jewelry have become etched in our collective memory.

Enter Eugene Joseff, a masterful jeweler who left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s golden era. Spending an astonishing 1,200 hours to craft a single necklace for Greta Garbo in Camille, Joseff’s artistry graced more than 3,000 films, including timeless classics like Gone with the Wind and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. His extraordinary archive holds a staggering collection of nearly two million jewelry pieces.

From the opulence of Old Hollywood to the modern-day stars who channel their inner princesses on the screen, these cinematic moments have become legendary, forever woven into the tapestry of film history.

#1: PRETTY WOMAN

Who could possibly forget the unforgettable moment when Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) presents Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) with that extraordinary necklace in the iconic 1990 romantic comedy, Pretty Woman? This stunning piece, meticulously crafted by the renowned French goldsmith, Fred Joaillier, showcases 23 pear-cut rubies delicately nestled within diamond-encrusted hearts. Remarkably, the necklace’s current appraisal stands at approximately $1.35 million (S$1.81 million).

Given the film’s relatively modest budget of $14 million (S$18 million), the costume department was unable to procure the necklace for the production. However, the generous jeweler graciously lent the piece, albeit under tight security. To protect its considerable value, the necklace came accompanied by an armed guard.

#2: TITANIC

One of the most popular jewelry pieces in the annals of cinema is none other than the Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic. While the film portrays the necklace as being adorned with genuine diamonds, in reality, it was meticulously crafted with zircons and fashioned into white gold. However, if the necklace had indeed been created with authentic diamonds, its estimated value would have soared to over $500 million (S$671 million)!

Image Credits: facebook.com/hannahom2003 (Paramount Pictures)

The esteemed London jewelers, Asprey & Garrard, were entrusted with the creation of this extraordinary piece. Drawing inspiration from three illustrious diamonds steeped in French history—the Marie Antoinette Bleu, the Regent, and the Hope Diamond—Asprey & Garrard captured the essence of opulence and romance in their exquisite design.

#3: GENTLEMAN PREFER BLONDES

In the iconic 1955 film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe mesmerized audiences with her unforgettable performance of the timeless classic, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Interestingly, similar to the necklace in To Catch a Thief, this necklace also takes on a pivotal role in the plot, ultimately revealed as a counterfeit. However, for promotional purposes, the filmmakers made the deliberate choice to showcase the original yellow-diamond necklace. With its pear-shaped diamond, originally unearthed in the mines of Golconda, India, and once owned by Queen Marie Antoinette, this remarkable piece holds a storied history. Notably, in 2018, it fetched a staggering $1.3 million (S$1.75 million) at auction, a testament to its timeless beauty and allure.

#4: GREAT GATSBY

As far as headpieces go, we are absolutely smitten with Daisy’s exquisite headpiece in The Great Gatsby. Interestingly, this stunning piece was not custom-made for the film; instead, it was already a treasured possession from the Tiffany & Co archives, graciously loaned to the production for the iconic party scene at Gatsby’s opulent mansion.

The selection of this particular headpiece was no coincidence. Its high-quality diamonds and lustrous pearls were a flawless embodiment of the 1920s jazz age, capturing the essence of that glamorous era with impeccable precision.

#5: TO CATCH A THIEF

Interestingly, the necklace in To Catch a Thief not only adds visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in influencing the movie’s plot. It is revealed as a fake, strategically employed to entice the protagonist, John Robie (portrayed by Cary Grant), a former jewel thief. Surprisingly, even the real necklace used in the film was rumored to be an imitation, borrowed for a mere $75 (S$100) during the filming process.

In this 1955 Hitchcock classic, Grace Kelly graces the screen wearing a breathtaking tiered diamond necklace. Its radiant elegance enhances her captivating presence and further immerses viewers in the allure of the film’s world.

#6: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

In the highly improbable event that you haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing this timeless masterpiece, there’s a moment that’s bound to be etched in your memory: the iconic image of Holly Golightly (portrayed by Audrey Hepburn) gazing through the window of Tiffany & Co., delicately savoring coffee and a croissant, adorned with a remarkable 5-strand choker pearl necklace embellished with an exquisite diamond brooch.

Image Credits: facebook.com/breakfastattiffanys (Paramount Pictures)

This extraordinary jewelry piece from Breakfast at Tiffany’s has undoubtedly become one of the most recognizable and enduring images in the history of cinema. It encapsulates the essence of elegance and sophistication that resonates with audiences to this day.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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